Sunday, July 20, 2014

Suspended Senator Mike Duffy is facing 31 counts of fraud, breach of
trust and bribery in connection with the so-called “expenses scandal.”

The
former television news broadcaster was appointed to Canada’s upper chamber by
Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2009.

His arrest involves claims for housing expenses, travel costs not
associated with the Senate business and fraudulent contracts, Royal Canadian
Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner Gilles Michaud said.

The
investigation concerns more than $200,000 in expenses claimed by Duffy, 68, he
added.

Duffy was suspended from the Senate last November along with Patrick
Brazeau and Pamela Wallin over expense claims.

Former Senator Mac Harb resigned last August
after paying back $231,000 for ineligible housing and travel expenses.

Police earlier proceeded with fraud and breach-of-trust charges against
Brazeau and Harb while they continue to investigate Wallin’s expenses.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Power is gradually being restored across Canada’s Maritime provinces
after a hit last weekend by the remnants of Hurricane Arthur.

The storm cut electricity to more than 250,000 residences and
businesses, with New Brunswick and Nova Scotia receiving the most damage.

There are more than 1,000 power workers repairing blown-down lines and
cutting away broken trees and limbs brought down by the storm.

In
New Brunswick, the hardest-hit areas were around Fredericton and in the southwestern
part of the province, with thousands of felled trees and downed power poles.

About 80 percent of the service has been restored with work continuing over
the weekend, said Meghan Gerrish of New Brunswick Power.

The provincial government opened 33 reception centers assist those
without electricity as the Emergency Measure's office said Arthur was so
powerful it pulled down trees that would have withstood a typical storm.

Bob
Hanf, president of Nova Scotia Power, said damage was as severe as that done by
Hurricane Juan in 2003.